Frequently Asked Questions

The default paper color for printing is usually white, so it is typically unnecessary to use white ink but if you are using colored paper and a graphic or image requires white, then opaque white ink may certainly be used.

The two main factors to consider are 1.) Quantity and 2.) Deadlines.

Depending on what your project needs, our Digital Press sizes range from 7.5" x 7.5" to 13" x 19".

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. This scale is most commonly used in monitors, televisions, scanners, and digital cameras. CMYK is cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, or full-color printing. When you combine all RGB light it creates white, whereas CMYK creates black.

Because the ink and toner mediums are different, the printed piece may have a slightly different result.

The Digital Front End (DFE) is the software that takes the file, for example a PDF, and turns the file into a format that the print engine can read.

A digital press uses CMYK toners, so when a Pantone color is chosen, the press finds the closest possible match using the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.

Ink density is the total percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. For example, an ink density of 300 means that the concentration and total percentages of CMYK are at 300%. At Solo Printing, we prefer ink density to not exceed 320.

Our preferred method is Hi-Resolution PDF with fonts and images embedded and saved in CMYK, please no RGB. We can also accept files in most graphic programs.

We prefer 300 dpi but will accept a minimum of 220 dpi. Please note that pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution (typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi). Try to avoid these, as they will appear very pixelated when printed.

Bleed is when the print area goes beyond the final trim line of the page, allowing the final print to bleed off the edge. Recommended bleed is 1/8 inch (.125) on all sides of the page or sheet.

The live area is like a safe zone for your printer. It is an area far enough from the trim line that there is no risk of having text get cut off when trimming. Live area may vary depending on stock, page count, and binding. We recommend a minimum of 1/4 inch (.25); for specific questions about your project, give us a call.

The primary coating choices are varnishes, aqueous coatings, and UV coatings. Each coating has its advantages and disadvantages, and choosing which one is right for you largely depends on what you are printing and the type of paper you are printing on.

You can either upload a file with product description, quantity, and basic project specifications, or use our online form that covers all necessary information needed to properly quote your project.

Files may be submitted via email, FTP, or online transfer site.

Perfect Bound and Saddle-Stitch; Wire-O and Plastic Coil; Automatic Folding and Bundling; Paper Bundle; Kit Assembly; Die Cutting and Gluing; Tabbing; Shrink-Wrapping; Foil Stamping; Ink Jetting; and Polybag.

Whether you are looking for direct mail, single point, or multi-location, Solo's Mailing and Fulfillment department can coordinate the delivery of your printed materials with ease.